09/06/2012 - October 9th TRE Election Information

Georgetown, Texas • September 6. 2012

The Georgetown ISD Board of Trustees have called a Tax Ratification Election, or TRE, to be held on Tuesday, October 9th. The TRE, if approved by voters, would generate an additional $2,180,174 of combined local taxpayer and State revenue for the district. “Over the past two years, the Texas Legislature has under-funded public schools by $5.4 billion,” explained Superintendent Joe Dan Lee. “Georgetown ISD’s funding as a result of this shortfall, has been reduced by over $7.2 million - $4.8 million in 2011-2012 and $2.4 million for 2012-2013.”

School districts in Texas are allowed to tax up to $1.04 per $100 of property value for the district’s maintenance and operations (General Fund) budget. With voter approval, a school district can add an additional 13 cents to the tax rate, taking it from $1.04 to $1.17. The October 9th Tax Ratification Election will be asking the voters to approve an additional 4 cents for a total maintenance and operations tax rate of $1.08.

With a 4 cent tax increase, taxpayers will contribute $2,139,605. If you add State monies to what GISD taxpayers will provide, the District will net a total of $2,180,174 to the General Fund. If approved by voters, the TRE will not increase the tax rate for those citizens over 65 or disabled who have had their taxes frozen. The proposed TRE tax levy impact on a $100,000 home will be $40 annually or $3.33 monthly.

As operational costs increase and state and federal revenues diminish, Georgetown ISD has undergone several major budget reduction measures including: the elimination of over 200 employee positions, instituting a salary and benefits freeze which is now in its third year, eliminating all major capital purchases including buses and technology, and reducing virtually every line item in the District’s budget.

“We have decreased our budget by over $7.5 million and are at the point that any more reductions will impact student programs and services.,” added Mr. Lee. “The $2.18 million generated by the TRE will help us maintain the level and quality of our current student programs through the next two years.”

Additional Information regarding the Tax Ratification Election as well as voting times and locations are available on the Georgetown ISD web site www.GeorgetownISD.org.